Electromagnetic reset valve



W. A. RAY

ELECTROMAGNETIC RESET VALVE AM'mh 1s, 1952 Original F'ile'd June 5, 1943 2 SHEETS-SHEET l la 7 55a 3..

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March 18, 1952 W, A, RAY 2,589,573

ELECTROMAGNETIC RESET VALVE n Original Filed June 3, 1943 1 2 SHEETS--SHEET 2 llilziiilzll/l//l/l/l/11111,"

I "L lo x l 5/ 3 mr nventor:

#L Gttorneg Patented Mar. 18, 1952 ELECTROMAGNETIC RESET VALVE William A. Ray, North Hollywood, Calif., assignor to General Controls Co., Glendale, Calif.a corporation of California Original application .lune 5, 1943, Serial No. 489,801, now Patent No. 2,422,368, dated June 17, 1947. Divided and this application August 20, 1946, Serial No. 691,835

16 Claims.

Thisv invention relates to a reset valve for fluid fuels. This application is a division of an application filed in the name of William A. Ray on June 5, 1943, under Serial No. 489,801, now patent No. 2,422,368, June 17, 1947 and entitled Electromagnetic Reset Valvef Such reset valves are used in fuel supply systems to ensure against flow of fuel to the burner unless a pilot flame is lit. A valve of this character is usually arranged to be maintained open by an electromagnet energized by a thermocouple, or a thermopile in the pilot llame. Then vthe main cock may be turned on and off, as desired, the pilot llame serving to ignite the fuel passing through the main burner whenever the cock is opened.

If the pilot flame should be extinguished, the safety valve closes. To re-establish the fuel supply, the safety valve may be manually reset to open position and held in the open position until the pilot flame is ignited. If the flame for any reason fails to ignite, release of the -reset valve vcauses the valve to close again; and a resetting operation must be again attempted.

A safety valve of this general character is described in an application filed in the name of William A. Ray, on February 4, 1941, Serial No. 377,274, now patent No. 2,403,611, July 9, 1946, entitled Reset Valve and Control Therefor.

It is an object of this invention to provide such a valve of compact and simplified construction and having an improved mode of operation.

It is another object of this invention to make it possible to control the passage of fuel to the pilot burner during the resetting operation, in a convenient and simple manner.

It is another object of this invention to provide a reset valve including a main valve, and a supplemental valve for independently controlling a pilot burner, and having a single actuator which is optionally operable for operating the main valve or the supplemental valve.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a reset valve including a main valve and a safety valve, and so arranged that operation of the main valve acts directly to actuate the safety valve.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a reset valve arranged to give an indication when the main or manually operable valve is closed.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings `accompanying and forming part of the present specification. The form Will now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of this invention is best dened by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a longitudinal section through a valve incorporating the invention;

Figs. 2, 3, and 4 are sections as seen on correspondingly numbered planes of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a View similar to Fig. 1, but showing the valve in a different operating position.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary section as seen on plane 5 6 `of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 7 is a diagram indicating the various operating positions of the main valve closure.

This valve is of the type for controlling 'the fluid fuel supply to a burner which is intermittently operated, a constantly lighted pilot burner being provided for igniting the main burner after periods of inactivity.

The valve structure comprises a main valve 3 which is manually operable for optionally controlling the supply of fuel toa main burner (not shown). Obviously it is important to provide means whereby, upon extinguishment of the main burner and of the pilot burner, the supply of fuel to these burners is interrupted. Further, means must be provided for preventing re-establishment of the supply to the main burner until the pilot burner has been relighted. For this purpose, a safety valve l is provided controlling the passage of fuel through the valve and adapted to be retained in open position by an electromagnet 2 energized in response to electricity generated by the heat of the pilot burner flame in a well known manner, as by a thermocouple (not shown). Upon the extinguishment of the pilot burner for any reason, coil 2 is de-energ'ized, permitting valve l to close, and stopping all fuel supply to the burners. To avoid a dangerous condition when the valve l is opened, the means for opening valve l are so arranged that main valve.3 must be closed before the -valve I can be opened. Further, before valve 3 can be opened, without permitting valve l to close, the pilot burner must be .lighted to energize magnet 2 to retain Valve l in open position. To permit a fuel supply to the pilot burner when valve I is open and before valve 3 is opened, a ley-pass 4 is provided in valve 3. To facilitate proper lighting of the pilot burner and to make 23 in open position.

magnet 2 and spring 25. Yedge serrated to provide teeth 35, which engage it possible to prevent supply of fuel to the pilot burner until the operator is ready, a supplemental valve 5 is provided in by-pass 4, which is automatically closed when the main valve 3 closes, but which may be opened before valve 3 is opened. However, means are provided so that, when the main valve 3 is open, supple-4 body I having axially aligned threaded openings II and I2 at its opposite ends for connection to suitable conduits and forming, respectively, the inlet and outlet. Between the inlet and outlet openings II and I2 is a transverse opening I3, closed by a detachable cover I4. There is also a lboss I5 extending transversely of body I6 and .forming a seat I6 for a tapered rotary plug I1, 'and a web wall I8, the boss I5, plug I1, and wall l I8 serving to interrupt communication between Athe inlet II and outlet I2. To establish communication between the inlet and the outlet, plug AI1 has an axial port I9 adapted to connect with inlet II and intersected by a radial port adapted to connect with outlet I2 through port 2l ,inthe boss I3. Rotation of plug I5 in seat I4 serves to place ports 26 and 2| into or out of registry as desired.

Safety valve I includes a valve member 23 .in the form of a disc of magnetic material adapted to co-operate with a valve seat 24 formed Von thevendof valve plug l1. A light compression spring 25 urges disc 23 to seat 24. When member `23 is'on seat 24, communication between inlet II and port I9 is interrupted; hence, no fluid ,can 'pass from inlet Il to outlet I2 regardless of the registry of ports 29 and 2|. A cam surface comprising a pair of cams 26 is formed on the upperrend of plug I1, and means forming a cooperating cam surface 21 is secured to valve disc 23, so that rotation of plug I1 serves to raise 'disc 23 from seat 24 against the force of spring 25 Y andinto contact with the face 28 of the electromagnet 2 .mounted in cover I4. This magnet 2, uponV appropriate energization, retains valve disc Electromagnet 2 is supported within cap I4 by a single screw 29, and is Vprovided wih leads 38 and binding posts 3I for connection with a suitable source oi electric current, such as a'thermocouple.

Since the fluid passing through the valve carries a .certain amount of sticky material, dirt, etc., likely to be deposited within the valve, and,

i particularly since the force exerted by magnet 2 is small, it is desirable to protect face 28 of the magnet, as well as the co-operating face of disc 23, from the fluid. Otherwise, a deposit of such .material on these faces would seriously reduce the holding power of the magnet 2, or possibly cause the disc to stick in open position. For this Ypurpose a short metallic bellows or Sylphon 33,.surrounding face 28, is secured to the lower surface of electromagnet 2 and to disc 23. It is, of course, necessary to prevent disc 23 and '.cam means 21 from rotating in order that rota-- I tion of plug I1 and cam means 26 will be eifective to raise disc 23. For this purpose an inverted 'cup 34 is secured within cap I4, as by being clamped between the upper end of magnet 2 and Vthe under surface of cap I4, serving to enclose Cup 34 has'its lower 4 arcuate slots 36 formed on the periphery of disc 23.

The energization of electromagnet 2 by the thermocouple is purposely such that the magnet is incapable of attracting disc 23 from its dropped position.

It is, accordingly, desirable that appropriate rotation of plug I1 will cause the cams 26 and 21 to bring valve disc 23 directly into contact with face 28. To allow for manufacturing tolerances, as well as to guard against urging disc 23 against face 28 with such force as to damage the parts, a member 38, having a plurality of resilient fingers 39, is interposed between cam means 21 and disc 23. As clearly shown in Fig. 1, cam means 21 is secured to disc 23 by a screw 40 having a flat sided portion 4I, the cam means 21 being axially slidable on portion 4I and urged downwardly therealong by spring fingers 39. Thus, when cam means 21 is moved upwardly, as by cam means 26, this upward movement is imparted to disc 23 through fingers 39; and, upon disc 23 contacting face 28, further upward movement of cam means 21 merely flexes ngers 39.

The by-pass port 4 for supplying the pilot burner comprises a circumferential groove 44 on -plug I1, extending partly around the periphery bore 52 of plug 58 communicates with tube 53 which leads to the pilot burner (not shown) via ports 54, 55, and 56. Seating of ball 45 interrupts communication between the interior of plug I1 and tube 53. A push rod 51 extends through plug 50, upward movement of rod 51 serving to unseat ball 41 against the force of spring 48.

The actuating means 6 for operating the valves Vwill now be described, attention being directed to Figs. 1, 4, and 5. A circular disc or actuator 60, with a knurled periphery adapted to be conveniently gripped by the ngers, is slidably mounted on the flat sided portion 6I of a downward eX- tension 62 of plug I1, being retained thereon by a nut and washer 63 and 64. A compression spring 65 urges disc 60 downwardly against washer 64, the upper end of spring 65 seating against a washer 66 having an upturned retaining edge 61. To prevent any upward movement of plug I1 and 'consequent unseating thereof with respect to seat I6, incident to manipulation of actuator 60, a retaining nut 68 is threaded on stem 62 and maintains washer 66 in contact with the lower surface of body I0. Y

Appropriate rotation of the knob or actuator 60 will rotate plug I1 to place ports 20 and 2l into or out of registry, as well as to cause cam 26 to unseat valvedisc 23. Further, actuator 60 has a raised portion or holding surface 10 which engages push rod 51, maintaining supplemental valve 5 open, this surface 10 having a sloping portion 14 which acts as a cam on rod 51 to cause valve 5 to open or close in response to rotation of the actuator 66.

The angular relationships existing between the cams and ports is best described in connection 'with the mode of operation of the valve. In this connection attention lis called to Edgsist and. f7, the latter being a diagrammatic showingxof plug l1: .and actuator 60; Inboth Figs. 4 and 7, the parts are shown asv in the positionsr they occupy when the main valve 3' is fully open, as in iFig. V

.motion provision. .In the present instance, this lost motion is provided by suitable ,angular spacying between the co-operating. cam surfaces 26 and 2l', as illustrated in Eig; 3'.

Stop means are provided for appropriately limiting angular movement of actuator 60; this may comprise lugs' 1| and l2 on the actuator 6l) for engaging respectively with a boss '13j on body Il). In the fully open position of Figs. 1, '4, 'and 7,

rlug 1| contacts boss 13. Movement of actuator 6U and plug counterclockwise 'from this position will cause ports 20 and 2| to pass successively out of registry and then to close until, vafter 96 of movement, the main valve 3 may be regarded as effectively closed. This is .indicated in Fig. 7 by lines |09, lill, and |62, which maybe considered Yas successively .reaching dart lila in ref spense to counterclockwise movement of actuator Sil and plugV After the amountoffmovement represented by the angle between dart |83 and line l-B2, cam surfaces 26 and 21 are still out of contact, hence valve is still closed; further, the supplemental valve yli is still open, due to rod 51 still being on holding surface l. However, a small additional counterclockwise movement will 'bring the edge of cam surface H vunder push r'od 51, allowing valve 5 to begin to close, further movement causing valve `5 to close completely. This can be visualized in Fig. 7 as the successive i arrival f lines H34 and |05 at dart |03. All valves are now closed. Further counterclockwise movement of plug l? brings cam surfaces 26 rvon the plug into engagement with the lco-operating surfaces 21 on the valve dis-'c 23 of safety valve additional counterclockwise movement of plug |'l causing valve to be ful-ly Vopened and brought into Vcontact with face 2'8 of magnet 2, and can be visualized by the 'successive arrival of lines |236 and |07 yat dart |03.

It is now necessary to cause magnet 2 to be energized, as otherwise, upon returning plug to open position, valve member 23 will immediately return to its seat 24 and prevent any-fluid passing to valve 3. .For this purpose, the pilot burner must Ybe ignited and kept burning 4for a brief period until the .thermocouple heated thereby generates suiiicient current to energize magnet 2. opened. This is accomplished by pressing actuator G9 toward body l0 and against the force Yof spring 65, causing push rod l to lift ball 41 from its 'seat ll. After an interval suicient -to allow the thermocouple to become active, actuator 60 is returned lclockwise at least far enough to 4bring vthe end of rod 51 onto'the holding surface 'lll while still elevated; and then the actuator is Ybrought to its original position with lug engaging boss 13 andports 2,0 and 2-| is registry. .Ample space is provided in chamber 4 aboutjball -4j1 Supplemental valve 5 must therefore be to accommorlate.v the 'ball #il when actuator 6,0 is urged upwardly and push rod 5l is on. 'the holding surface lll. Hence, it is ,notr material when the actuator 6U is allowed to return to its lower position in response, to spring 55, so long asit is maintained elevated-long enough to ensure that valve Vl isiheldfopen.

It is to be noted that, the provision of valve 5 for controlling the fuel supply to the pilot 'burner has important advantages. Thus, no fuel iiows to the pilot burner until the operator is ready toy ignite it, and all possibility of an accumulation of unignite'd fuely is avoided. Further, this valve, is opened by a short easy movement distinct from that necessary to open the main valve.

in addition to the safety fea-tures of the valve, it is intended for use as a control. Thus, by turning the plug counterclockwise from the position of Figs.` 1, 4, and 7, the flow of fuel to the `main burner may be restricted or stopped entirely, that is, from the position. indicated by -line |62 to that indicated by line |63 of Fig. 7. Conversely, by turning the plug clockwise from the closed position, the ii-ow of fuel' may beinitiated and reg- .ulated to any desired proportion of a full flow.

For this purpose, it is, of course, essential that the pilot burner 4not be extinguished accidentally.

Referring to Fig. 7, it will be noted that the angular lmovement of the-actuator Se necessary lto close the valve 5 vwhich controls fuel to the vpilot burner is substantially greater `than `that required to close the main valve 3. Accordingly, such normal operation is easily accomplished; howeveigjto facilitate, it, means are provided for exerting a momentary restraint, as well as givin-g audible warning when the plug |l reaches a fullyv closed position and before the pilot -valve 5 closes.

For this purpose a detent 'll isslidably mounted in a bore 18 in -bioss 13, being-continually urged "against the actuator all by a spring 79. A depression 8l! is provided in the surface of actuator 6U for receivin'g'the vcletent 11, and is so positioned angularly with respect thereto as .to be enga-ged 4by Ydetent 7'! `when plu-g |7| is in closed position,

and When the plug is 'being tur-ned from open position -before holding surface lll has moved from under push rod 5l fand yallowed valve -5 to close. It will be apparent, when detent 'l' is in engagement with depression Silea restraint will be placed .on the movement Vof actuator 68, requiring yadditional force to overcome it and move the actuator farther to pilot extinguishing position. Further, an audible click will result when the detent 'l1 ldrops into depression 89. Accordingly, 'accidental movement of the actuator 6e past Aclosing .position for main valve 3, with resulting inconvenience 'due to extinguishing the pilot, will be avoided. The actuator may be readily tur-ned beyond this position when necessary until stop 12 engages bossfl and the safety lvalve is opened,

tionship with respect to said valve seat; an elec'-l tromagnetadaptr-id `lto lmaint/ain said closure in open position when energized, and lwhen deenervgized to Vrelease `said closure for movement to closed position; said .magnet and said closure .having respective faces which are adapted Lto' Icontact vand complete lthe magnetic lcircuit through Vplug closing position said magnet when said closure is infopen position; and means, comprising an annular flexible 'closure to open position, an electromagnet adapted to maintain said closure in open position, when energized, and when deenergized releasing said .closure for movement to closed position, said magnetrand said closure having respective faces which are adapted to contact each other to complete the magnetic circuit through said magnet when said closure is in open position, and a flexible wall co-operating with said magnet and said closure to form a chamber enclosing said faces and isolating them from fuel passing through the valve structure.

3. In a valve structure for fluid fuels: a main valve structure including a rotary plug for controlling fuel flow to a main burner; a supplemental valve including a closure for controlling fuel flow to a pilot burner; movable means operating upon said closure to move said closure to supplemental valve opening position; an actuator connected to said plug for operating the plug as well as for operating said movable means; said actuator including a holding portion engage'- able with said movable means for maintaining said supplemental valve in open position during A movement of the actuator to cause the plug to open and to close said main valve, said holding portion terminating at a point so located as to cause said closure to close upon movement of said actuator past plug closing position; and means indicating arrival of the actuator at plug closing position.`

4. In a valve structure for fluid fuels: a main A valve structure including a rotary plug for controlling passage of fuel to a main burner; a supplemental valve for controlling passage of fuel to a pilot burner; means movable in one direction for operation upon said supplemental valve to move said supplemental valve to open position, and movable in the opposite direction to permit said supplemental valve to close; an actuator connected to said plug for operating the plug as well as for operating said movable means; means whereby movement of said actuator past causes said movable means to move in said opposite direction to close said supplemental valve; and means indicating larrival of the actuator at plug closing position.

5. In a valve structure for fluid fuels: a main valve structure including a rotary plug for controlling passage of fuel to a main burner; a supplemental valve for controlling passage of fuel to a pilot burner; means movable in Vone direction for operation upon said supplemental valve to move said supplemental valve to open position, and movable in the opposite direction to permit said supplemental valve to close; an actuator connected to said plug for operating the plug as well as for operating said movable means; means whereby movement of said actuator past plug closing position causes said movable means to move in said opposite direction to close said supplemental valve; and means carried respectively by the body and the actuator co-operating to indicate arrival of the actuator at mainvalve clos- Vingl position; said means including av spring pressed detent.

6. In a valve structure for fluid fuels: a main valve structure including a rotary plug for controlling fuel flow to a main burner; a supplemental valve for controlling fuel flow to a pilot burner; movable means operating upon said supplemental valve to move said supplemental valve to open lposition; means biasing said supplemental valve to closed position; an actuator connected to said plug for operating the plug, and movable axially thereof for moving said movable means to open the supplemental valve, said actuator having a holding surface engaging said movable means for maintaining the supplemental vvalve open during movement of the actuator to operate the plug between main valve open and closed positions; and a depressed surface for permitting the movable means to move from supplemental valve closing position upon movement of the actuator to operate the plug past main valve closing position; and means imposing resistance to movement of said actuator past plug closing position.

'7. In a valve structure for uid fuels: a main valve structure including a rotary plug for controlling fuel ilow to a main burner; a supplemental valve having a seat and a closure cooperating with said seat for controlling fuel iiow. to a pilot burner; movable means operating upon said closure to move said closure away from said seat; an actuator connected to the plug for operating the main valve, and movable axially thereof for engaging said movable means for moving said closure away from said seat when the actuator is operated past main valve closing posi- -tion, said actuator having a holding portion of limited angular extent engaging said movable member for maintaining said closure in supplemental valve opening position during movement of the actuator between 'plug opening and plug closing position, independently of axial movement of the actuator.

8. In a valve structure for fluid fuels: a main valve structure including a rotary plug for controlling fuel ow to a main burner; a supplemental valve spaced radially from the plug and including a seat and a closure cooperable therewith for controlling fuel flow to a pilot burner; a longitudinally movable member extending substantially parallel to the axis of said plug and having one end engageable with said closure to move said closure away from said seat; and an actuator connected to said plug for operating the plug, and movable axially thereof for engaging the other end of said longitudinally movable member for operating said closure to cause said supplemental valve to pass fuel to the pilot burner.

9. In a valve structure for fluid fuels: means forming a passageway for fuel; a valve seat, and a cooperating closure movable toward and away froml said seat for controlling fuel flow through said passageway; an electromagnet adapted to maintain said closure in open position when energized, and when deenergized to release said closure for movement to closed position; said magnet and said closure having respective faces which are adapted to contact and complete the magnetic circuit through said magnet when said closure is in open position; and means, comprising an annular exible wall connected between said magnet and said closure, forming a chamber enclosing said faces and isolating them from fuel in said passageway. l

10. In a valve structure for iiuid fuels: means forming a passageway for fuel, a valve seat, and a cooperating closure movable toward and away from said seat for controlling flow of fuel through said passageway, spring means continually urging said closure toward closed position, an electromagnet adapted to maintain said closure in open position, when energized, and when deenergized releasing said closure for movement to closed position, said magnet and said closure having respective faces which are adapted to contact each other to complete the magnetic circuit through said magnet when said closure is in open Iposition, and a flexible wall cooperating with said magnet and said closure to form a chamber enclosing said faces and isolating them from fuel passing through the valve structure.

11. In a valve structure for iiuid fuels: a main valve structure including a rotary plug for controlling fuel flow to a main burner; a supplemental valve including a seat and a closure cooperating with said seat for controlling fuel flow to a pilot burner; movable means operating upon said closure to move said closure to supplemental valve opening position; an actuator connected to said plug for operating the plug, as well as said movable means, said actuator including a holding portion engageable with said movable means for maintaining said closure in supplemental valve opening position during movement of the actuator to cause the plug to open and to close said main valve, said holding portion terminating at a point so located as to cause said movable means to close said supplemental valve upon movement of said actuator past main valve closing position; and means imposing resistance to movement of said plug past plug closing position.

12. In a valve structure for fluid fuels: a main valve structure including a rotary plug Ifor controlling passage of fuel to a main burner; a supplemental valve for controlling passage of fuel to a pilot burner; movable means operating upon said supplemental valve to move said supplemental valve to open position; an actuator connected to said plug for operating the plug as well as the movable means; means whereby movement of said actuator past plug closing position causes the movable means to close said supplemental valve; and means imposing resistance to movement of said plug past plug closing position.

13. In combination: a valve structure including a valve closure for controlling ilow of fluid through the structure; an electromagnet for maintaining said closure in attracted position for opening said valve structure when the electromagnet is energized, and releasing said closure for movement from attracted position when de-energized; and means for urging said closure toward attracted position, comprising a pair of cooperating cam members, one of said members being resiliently carried by said closure for limited movement with respect thereto in the direction of movement of said closure.

14. In combination: a valve structure including a valve closure for controlling W of fluid through the structure; an electromagnet for maintaining said closure in attracted position for opening said valve structure when the electromagnet is energized, and releasing said closure for movement from attracted position when de-energized; means for urging said closure toward attracted position, comprising a pair of cooperating cam members; and means resiliently mounting one of said members for limited movement in the direction of movement of said closure.

15. In combination: a valve closure for controlling flow of fluid through a valve body; an electromagnet for maintaining said closure in attracted position when energized, and releasing said closure for movement from attracted position when de-energized; said electromagnet and said closure respectively having faces adapted to contact each other to complete the magnetic circuit through said magnet when said closure is in attracted position; and means for moving said closure toward attracted position, comprising a pair of cooperating cam members and means acting on one of said cam members creating a resilient force urging said closure toward attracted position.

16. In combination: a valve closure for controlling flow of fluid through a valve body; an electromagnet for maintaining said closure in attracted position when energized, and releasing said closure for movement from attracted position when lde-energized; said electromagnet and said closure having opposed faces adapted to contact each other to complete the magnetic circuit through said magnet when said closure is in attracted position; a cam operator for moving said closure toward attracted position; a cam follower member carried by said closure; means mounting said cam follower member for limited movement with respect to said closure in the direction of movement of said closure; and resilient means interposed between said cam follower member and said closure.

WILLIAM A. RAY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

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